WHAT WINE DO I BUY THAT WON'T MAKE ME LOOK LIKE A DOUCHE?

Two suggestions for non-drinkers and drinkers who want to make a splash at summer BBQs

For those of you who have followed me for some time, you probably know that Jason has a sister who should probably be more famous than him. Chiara AKA Sissy, is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and her boyfriend Gabe, is a wine and music connoisseur. Since I don’t personally drink, I don’t have a lot of recs in this department. But with Summer fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to task Gabe with telling us all what to buy in order to look, savvy, sophisticated, and in the know.

(This pic is giving Hemingway and I’m obsessed! )

Oregon’s Wine Country is most well known for Pinot Noir. The area, particularly the Willamette Valley is a treasure trove for those who love authentic expressions of the beloved grape. But, there’s a lot more that Oregon’s Willamette Valley does a really great job with.  

Chehalem, which is part of the larger Stoller Wine Group family of brands is a vineyard first winery. They employ sustainable practices across every aspect of their business. In 1990 they harvested their first vintage of Pinot Noir from their Ridgecrest Vineyard. It’s one of four vineyards they farm today. Then in 2018 Chehalem became the sixth Oregon winery to reach B Corp status. The process evaluates companies to ascertain that they meet high standards across social, environmental performance, legal accountability, and public transparency.

As with Willamette Valley at large, Chehalem is most known for Pinot Noir, specifically single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. Still, in somewhat recent times, wine lovers are starting to realize that a number of white grapes can, and do thrive in Willamette Valley too. Chehalem is one of the producers that is pushing the envelope, growing and bottling a considered selection of whites that stand proudly alongside their justifiably highly regarded Pinot Noir.

Here are two wines I suggest you try now.

Chehalem 2022 Estate Vineyard Pinot Blanc ($35)

This grape is a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir and can be somewhat unstable in the field. It can be grown and harvested to make dry or sweet wines. Chehalem’s is dry and lovely with tart flavors. Lemon zest is the star here along with some stone fruit, nectarine in this case, as well as additional citrus. The finish is long and sustained with a bit of white pepper making an appearance too. It’s absolutely delightful sipped all by itself but absolutely crushes paired alongside nearly anything featuring good quality Feta Cheese. Certainly, Spanakopita would be a great match, but don’t stop there. A grain salad laced with Feta would pair beautifully too.

Chehalem 2021 Estate Pinot Noir ($50)

Simply put, an exquisite example of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. To start, the aromatics are simply off the charts. Aromas of black cherry and raspberry nearly leap out of the glass. Tart cranberry leads the deeply layered flavors; bits of plum emerge too. The finish is long with bits of Earl Grey Tea. Firm acid lends to the refreshing nature of this wine. Well crafted Pinot Noir is notoriously food friendly with a gamut of great cuisine choices. My personal go to match here is a wood fired pizza generously topped with Porcini mushrooms.

These are both well made, delicious, and fairly priced, I strongly recommend them, and the Chehalem portfolio at large.

For more Gabe go here: GabesView.com

THANKS GABE!

Oh, if you want to listen to the Sissy/Gabe love story, which only took ten fucking years to manifest, click here: